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Sarcasm is the use of irony (saying one thing while meaning the opposite), ambiguity (a phrase that can mean more than one thing), or similar rhetorical devices in a sharp or stinging way. There is a dictionary difference between sarcasm and satire, although they are related. Satire is the use of irony or ridicule to expose foolishness, but without the “bite” of sarcasm. Satire is gentler; sarcasm is more derisive and sneering. In more recent usage, the term sarcasm is a broad reference to any irreverent, ironic statement.
The question is, is satire or sarcasm ever appropriate? This would be easy enough to resolve if not for the fact that God uses both satire and sarcasm in several places in Scripture. Consider, for example, Paul’s words in this passage:
Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich! You have begun to reign—and that without us! How I wish that you really had begun to reign so that we also might reign with you! For it seems to me that God has put us apostles on display at the end of the procession, like those condemned to die in the arena. We have been made a spectacle to the whole universe, to angels as well as to human beings. We are fools for Christ, but you are so wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are honored, we are dishonored! To this very hour we go hungry and thirsty, we are in rags, we are brutally treated, we are homeless. We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we answer kindly. We have become the scum of the earth, the garbage of the world—right up to this moment. (1 Corinthians 4:8–13)
Is Paul’s language ironic here? Absolutely. Was it hurtful? Intentionally so. This makes it textbook sarcasm. Yet, because his intent was to lead the stubborn Corinthians to the truth, it can still be considered loving. In fact, Paul followed this passage with, “I am writing this not to shame you but to warn you as my dear children” (1 Corinthians 4:14). The sarcasm had a benevolent purpose.The Corinthians would not have considered Paul’s language intentionally cruel. Instead, they would have recognized Paul was using rhetoric to make a point. In some ways, the Corinthians felt superior to Paul, casting judgment on him. So, he addresses them as if they were kings and says, ironically, that God considers His apostles “scum” and “garbage.”
The passage is ironic. It says one thing while meaning another (“We are fools . . . but you are so wise!”). And it is sarcastic because it makes the readers look foolish. But Paul’s method was not meant as a personal insult. The goal was to grab the readers’ attention and correct a false way of thinking. Paul’s words are heavily satirical, but also sarcastic. They are spoken in love to “dear children.”
Other passages in the Bible that use sarcasm include Isaiah’s ridicule of idol-makers (Isaiah 40:19–20), God’s taunting of Egypt (Jeremiah 46:11), and Elijah’s gibes directed at the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:27). Jesus Himself used satire in the form of hyperbole when He told His hearers to “take the plank out of your own eye” (Matthew 7:5).
Some interpreters believe Jesus was using gentle sarcasm when He met Nathanael. Nathanael initially dismissed Jesus when hearing He was from Galilee (John 1:45–46). Jesus’ first words to Nathanael are, “Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit” (John 1:47). Israel was the name given to Jacob (Genesis 32:28); Jacob’s name and personal history are both associated with lies and deceit. In calling Nathanel an Israelite who lacks deceit, Jesus may have been calling out Nathanael’s prejudice. Nathanael himself was the descendant of a famous liar, and Jesus says, in essence, “Yes, it would make sense for you to judge Me based on My heritage, because your ancestors have always been totally honest, right?” The irony was not lost on Nathanael, who immediately changes his tune and proclaims Jesus as “the Son of God” and “the king of Israel” (John 1:49).
Any form of speech can be used appropriately or inappropriately. Some are less risky than others. In general, irony is a figure of speech that can bring attention and clarity to a situation. Sometimes, irony can be painful because the truth it reveals is convicting. But “gentle irony” is easy to employ. Satire, which uses irony to gently deride and prompt needful change, can be appropriate on occasion. It is more potent than simple irony, so it must be handled with caution.
Sarcasm, on the other hand, is the more aggressive cousin of irony and satire. According to classical definitions, “benevolent” use of derisive irony is “satire,” and unloving or mean-spirited derisive irony is “sarcasm.” In common use, however, the term sarcasm generally applies to specific words and sentences, while satire is used for general ideas and scenarios. Inappropriate sarcasm belittles the victim and elevates the speaker. Jesus warned against such harsh, unloving words in Matthew 5:22. Yet there are examples in the Bible of surgical use of cutting words. Our speech should be helpful and edifying, even if what we say is uncomfortable to the hearer or if it must be delivered in a confrontational way (Titus 2:15; Titus 1:13).
We should speak the truth with loving intent (Ephesians 4:15), avoiding “foolish talk or coarse joking” (Ephesians 5:4). We should speak in such a way that the hearer will understand our motivation (1 Peter 3:15–17). And we should never be malicious or cruel. Carefully worded irony may be fitting, and biting satire—commonly thought of as “sarcasm”—should be handled with caution. But malicious sarcasm should not be part of a believer’s verbal arsenal. When in doubt, it is better to speak gently and directly (Proverbs 15:1) than to risk unnecessary offense.
